Canadian Family Discovery – Calgary to Vancouver

Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park was established in 1885 and is Canada’s oldest national park. Its mountainous terrain encompasses coniferous forests, alpine meadows, ice fields and glaciers. It’s an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise with plenty of opportunity for walking and hiking. With an abundance of wildlife in the park, there’s always the chance of seeing bears from a safe distance. Alternatively, take a scenic ride on the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain to take in a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape. For a completely different perspective, another exciting optional activity is to fly overhead in a helicopter – an amazing experience that your family will never forget. Of course, there’s nothing better after a hard day of fun than a soak in the Sulphur Mountain hot springs, which is why we’ve included this for you! You’ll stay in the same campsite for four nights in the Lake Louise area so there will be no packing and unpacking, for a little while at least.*ACCOMMODATION*: Camping*OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES*: Aerial gondola/tramway CAD$62; Scenic glacier flight CA$195 – $325 

With its snow-capped peaks, ancient pine forests and enchanting turquoise waters, Lake Louise is simply stunning. It’s always been a popular tourist destination, so there’s no surprise that it’s the most photographed destination in the Canadian Rockies! There are loads of walking trails to enjoy, so you can either wander around the lake or hike to a nearby teahouse to be rewarded with some of the best chocolate cake in Canada!*ACCOMMODATION*: Camping*OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES*: Canoeing CAD$105 per hour (CAD$95 per additional hour)

Today’s adventure will take you to Yoho National Park. ‘Yoho’ is a native word for ‘awe’, and you’ll see why. Sometimes overshadowed by the neighbouring parks of Banff and Jasper, Yoho National Park is considered the hidden gem of the Canadian national parks system. If your family are budding photographers, exploring Yoho will provide you with ample opportunities to hone your skills as you wander through a pristine alpine landscape that includes mountains, lakes and waterfalls. In your free time, you can experience the Kicking Horse River first-hand with an optional half-day white water rafting excursion, or choose to canoe or hike at the magnificent Emerald Lake. Walking the challenging trails overlooking Takakkaw Falls is an excellent alternative option. One thing’s for sure, after all this adventure you’ll sleep well tonight!*ACCOMMODATION*: Camping*OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES*: Emerald Lake canoe rental (1 hr) CA$45

The Icefields Parkway is known as one of the world’s most scenic drives and cuts through the heart of the Rockies, travelling for 360km (230 miles) past hanging glaciers, sheer rock walls and broad sweeping valleys. You’ll want to keep your cameras ready for some stunning views. Visit Peyto Lake and be amazed by its incredible turquoise hues, before traversing a portion of the imposing Athabasca Glacier, on an included guided hike. The kids will be left speechless, for once!The magnificent drive leads you to Jasper National Park, the largest national park in Canada, covering an area of 18,878 square km (4,200 square miles). This is where you will camp for the next two nights. It’s much less developed than other areas of Western Canada and there are several options on offer. You may want to start your visit by taking the cable car up Whistler Mountain for a bird’s-eye view. There’s also the chance to try your hand at mountain biking and hiking amidst fantastic lakeside scenery, or to visit Mount Edith Cavell for tremendous views of Angel Glacier, a beautiful hanging glacier in the shape of angel wings.*ACCOMMODATION*: Camping*OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES*: Mountain biking CA$15-$75; SkyTram cable car CA$45

Next up is Wells Gray Provincial Park – the fourth largest in British Columbia, covering the highest regions of the Cariboo Mountains. Take a walk and check out the impressive Helmcken Falls, one of the reasons for the creation of Wells Gray Provincial Park in 1939, or you could choose to hop on a horse for an afternoon ride. You’ll camp among spectacular two nights and after each night’s dinner, you can kick back and experience authentic British Columbian hospitality. Take part in a BBQ cookout, where you’ll create a hearty meal of fresh meat and fish (plus a vegetarian option) for everyone to feast on after a busy day exploring.*ACCOMMODATION*: Camping

Continue your journey to Whistler, in the heart of British Columbia. Perhaps better known as a winter resort, Whistler is a fantastic destination all year-round, with incredible scenery and loads of activities on offer. Why not take a leisurely gondola ride and see the views from above, rent bikes and wind your way along the trails, or even take to the tree tops with some adventurous zip lining? For a once in a lifetime experience, you can even take a scenic glacier flight. Whether you’re a family of adrenaline junkies or simply like to enjoy some leisurely time together surrounded by nature, there’s something for everyone in Whistler.*ACCOMMODATION*: Camping included*OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES*: Extreme zip line course CA$119-$199; Mountain biking from CA$100; Gondola ride CA$27

Head towards the coast and to one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities in the world, Vancouver, where unfortunately your tour comes to an end.Should you choose to stay on longer to explore the city, there’s plenty to fill your time. Amid the skyscrapers, you’ll find the locals enjoy an outdoorsy way of life. Stanley Park is always a favourite with the whole family. Be sure to check out the fascinating and brightly painted totem poles that have been here since the 1920s, and you should treat yourselves to some moreish maple cookies!This tour ends at our gateway hotel at approximately 17:00 hrs. We can book you post-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel if required. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs.*ACCOMMODATION*: None included*OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES*: Bike rental in Stanley Park CA$10-$65